I think a lot of the coil-winding done by many who participate is for chokes, broadband RF transformer, RF coils and similar items that have a wound type construction. It sounds like your area of interest is in generating a mechanical force with the coil - that is certainly an area that is probably very well understood but more likely by people who are involved in the design and manufacturing of that kind of item. Two source of information that come to mind - printed books particularly engineering references and the other is from manufacturers. The engineering references are not likely to be on-line or at least open to anyone as they are usually protected by copyright. The manufacturers information may be available via trade publications specific to that industry - or it may be a trade-secret kind of thing -those things they keep to themselves so they stay ahead of competition.
Initially I was going to suggest some references and manufacturers but when I re-read your post and realized "solenoid" I stopped. Just didn't want you to think no one would take the time to respond.